Cara Lekovitch, Assistant Professor in the Doctor of Clinical Science in OT Program
Assistant Professor Cara Lekovitch is intimately familiar with the impact of mentoring in the University of Pittsburgh Doctor of Clinical Science (CScD) in Occupational Therapy (OT) program After twelve years of occupational therapy clinical practice with older adults, in 2019 Lekovitch made the leap back into the role as a student in the CScD in OT program where she leaned into her Pitt faculty mentors to help learn how to balance school, a full-time job, and her role as a wife and mother of three children. Lekovitch believes that the support and guidance of mentors in the program, such as Professor and CScD Program Director Pamela Toto and Professor Natalie Leland, facilitated her success. In 2021, Lekovitch completed the CScD in Occupational Therapy degree prepared to make an impact like her very own mentors. She is now an assistant professor in the Department of Occupational Therapy teaching and mentoring in both the CScD in OT and Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) programs.
Maximizing Mentoring Skills
In the fall of 2022, Lekovitch made strides in advancing her skills by participating in the Mentoring Academy, sponsored by the Pitt Center for Mentoring. Lekovitch completed eight competencies through a series of interactive workshops aimed at developing mentoring skills such as maintaining effective communication, addressing equity and inclusion, and promoting professional development.
“Taking a new lens on the relationship between a mentor and mentee in a structured, evidence-based way has opened my eyes to all of the thoughtful work that goes into mentoring,“
Lekovitch says. A successful mentor-mentee relationship is created through deliberate efforts that build on the strengths of the dyad. This influential team dynamic is a priority among the faculty and students of the CScD in OT program.
Working Towards a Lasting Impact
Lekovitch is enthusiastic about combining her experiences as an alumna and faculty member to influence the students in the CScD in OT program.
“I have a unique perspective, having been in both roles as a student and now faculty in the program. I can relate to the students as they complete their education and am motivated to set them up for the success they are earning along the way.”
The program is designed in a way that dedicates multiple faculty members as mentors to each student, exposing them to various faculty perspectives. This unique support system elevates alumni of the program into leadership positions in quality improvement, academia, health care management and beyond.
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Published March 23, 2023
Updated March 30, 2023